you could make name tags: Name, Occupation, How they met/ know the host, and then a funny comment about them like what their least fav food is or what color their car is (something random). They could fill these name tags in themselves when they arrive at the door.

you could also put a bunch of really random words into a hat. When guests arrive, they have to pick two and keep to themselves. Their goal is to work that word (on the paper) into their conversation throughout the night without anyone else noticing (calling them out and saying that was the word on the paper).

You could also do the "people" game where guests pick famous names out of a hat and without looking at them themselves, they have to stick it to their forehead. Then, they have to ask other people a bunch of questions to try to figure out who they are..LOL...it's funny.

Looking for ways to get a house party started and mingling during the time before everyone is there and nobody really knows what to do. I'd really like to avoid the "party" where everyone stands around chewing on an appetizer making small talk about the weather..

It's a "come if you want, bring a friend" get together for a handful of people we don't normally hang out with. There could be some drinks going around. I don't have any games or activities planned yet and I don't want to appear to have tried way too hard to force "fun" on anyone.

What do I do to keep everyone entertained?